Love Without Money

Here are some cheap date ideas to get us through this recession.

By Amy Kean and John D. Schwartz

AMY:  I hate to be a downer. But if you've been watching TV, surfing online, or reading the newspaper lately, then you've heard the scary news, right? Apparently, it's the "Panic of 2008." Wall Street is collapsing--recession, recession, recession!  So tighten your belts; trade in your Hummer for a ten-speed bike; cut--and color!--your own hair; eat oatmeal for lunch and dinner; re-use your fall handbag from the 2007 season. Yikes!

All kidding aside, I'm not 100 percent sure yet how this complicated financial crisis will affect me directly, but I know that it can't be good for any of us.

And I'm curious--if this economic trouble means that Americans will be forced to spend less and save more--how will this all affect romantic relationships? After all, everyone knows that most couples fight constantly about money during ordinary economic times. So during a financial crisis, are couples going to be breaking up like crazy? I hope not. Couples must remember that, no matter how bad this situation gets--love is always more important than money, or lack of it.

Times are pretty tough though, and they're probably going to get worse before they get better. But that shouldn't mean that romance has to go out the window.

Whether you're married or single, here are a few suggestions for fun, cheap dates during a recession:


SKIP PRICEY RESTAURANTS, COOK DINNER: This is pretty obvious, but it's so important. Most of us dine out because we're just plain lazy. But what a waste of money! Instead, search online for an exotic, new recipe and cook it together at home. It's creative, fun, and often much, much healthier than eating out.
 
PLAY A BOARDGAME: Remember how much fun it was to play games when you were a kid? Monopoly? Checkers? Chess? Or my hands-down favorite--Scrabble? Make a big batch of chocolate chip cookies, and settle in for a night of old-fashioned, cheap fun.
 
WATCH TV: What's wrong with a little old-fashioned snuggling in front of the Boob Tube? It's like high school again! And remember, in the 1940's and 1950's, few Americans could even afford black and white TV sets. And now we're spoiled with hundreds (even thousands!) of channels. Plus, we've got flat screen, high-definition technology. Spend a cozy night in, and finally watch one of those classic movie DVDs you bought years ago, but is still wrapped-up in plastic. Or check out a smart, newish show, like "Mad Men" (which just snagged the Emmy for Best Drama).

WORK OUT TOGETHER:  Go outside (it's free!) and take a brisk power walk or run with your partner. And if you're paying for a gym membership anyway, why not turn your dull work-outs into fun "fitness dates"? Try a new exercise or yoga class together. After all, working up a healthy sweat can be a real turn on.  
See, some of the best things in life really are free, or almost-free...
 


JOHN:  My suggestion for a great cheap date during these trying economic times might seem a bit, shall we say, counterintuitive, but here goes:  GAMBLING!  

Whether you're nostalgic for that feeling of true desperation from economic recessions gone by, or you're just looking for a dating activity with a little excitement, gambling has tons to offer. PLEASE NOTE: GAMBLING ADDICTION IS A SERIOUS DISEASE WHICH DESTROYS LIVES. Having said that, a visit to your local casino can make for a memorable night of fun, thrills--and even, profit.

The casino date is nearly foolproof. The location is always interesting (riverboat, Indian reservation, Atlantic City, Las Vegas, etc.). The drinks are free. The people-watching is unparalleled. And if you stick to small bets on Black-Jack, Roulette, Craps (pass line) and Slots, you can make $50 last all night.  (Sure you could lose it all in the first 15min. but c'mon, what are the chances?)

Racetrack dates are great too--the sights, the sounds, the smells. Regardless of your stance on the "ethical treatment of animals," both horse racing and greyhound racing have fascinating sub-cultures that'll spark provocative conversation and debates. And sorry, but the races themselves are damn exciting!!!  Even if you make the minimum $2 bet on just one race, you'll find yourself screaming and shaking your fists.

And don't forget OTB!! Off Track Betting gets a bad rap because it's often located in a shabby storefront in a questionable neighborhood, with seedy-looking desperados loitering out front. But did you know that some OTB outlets are located in cozy, upscale Irish pubs? You can sit, chat, and nurse one drink over four hours and place five $2 bets on five different races. That's only $20! And when the bell goes off, you two will be glued to the TV screens. You'll hoot, holler and possibly even win hundreds of dollars in the process.

You get my point, right? A gambling date is the only type of date that can actually put money back in your pocket!! What's smarter than that?


AMY:  Oh my god--I'm speechless!  Please don't take my husband's "advice," under any circumstances. He's nuts!